As a junior in high school summer is the time of year most of my peers and I look forward to the most. All the things we might not make time for during the school year, but suddenly school is out and we have so much more free time on our hands. The thing about summer that I don’t think is talked about enough is it’s quite easy to get into a rut when you spend your days virally doing nothing. 

You could get into a TV show series and not leave the house for days on end… you feel unmotivated and even though this is supposed to one of the most relaxing parts of the year, you somehow seem to end up wasting your days or and not feel good about yourself. Some days this is how I feel. I’ve been trying new habits that have helped me not only do more in my day but also feel like I’m not wasting the summer way. 

• I recommend planning to do something right when you get up so you don’t end up spending the morning playing on your phone.  This could be going on a walk or run in the neighborhood, reading a book, making yourself a breakfast ( not cereal), or simply getting dressed right when you wake up. Something that will motivate you to get your day started on the right foot. For me, when I wake up and scroll on my phone, I end up not only being in a crab apple mood but don’t actually get my day started till much much later.

• Making a plan that you’re excited about or look forward to. This could be planning to go to the lake/ pool or beach with some friends later in the week or going to the weekend farmers market. Personally, I have to keep myself slightly busy and create plans for myself. This means reaching out to friends to create and make the plans.

• Summer is such a great time to try new things. This is your time to identify whatever you want to. Go to a high school party for the first time, go get a summer job. (I know some jobs will last longer than the summer). Save money. Reinvent your style or mindset. It is crazy to me that people might not like the way they live their lives but chose not to change it because they don’t think they have the power to. But only you hold the power. So this is your life, spend the summer as you please.

denim jacket: Daily Disco/ top: Urban Outfitters/ jeans: Lisa Says Gah